I Worked for this Smile | Protecting the Unprotected | Ep 218 | The Dear Son, Show

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

John Lewis on Childhood Trauma, Identity in Christ, and Becoming the Father His Son Needs | Dear Son Show

On the Dear Son Show, host D Johns talks with Jon Lewis about growing up in Pleasant Grove, his parents’ divorce around age 12, and being told he was “the man of the house,” which led to pressure to perform, resentment, and years of carrying responsibility for his mother and brother. John shares experiences of child abuse and being molested while protecting his brother from a neighbor, and how his father’s reaction left him feeling unprotected. He describes learning his worth beyond providing, seeking affirmation in relationships, pursuing therapy and coaching, and having difficult but healing conversations with his mother and later his father, who apologized and shared his own fatherlessness. John recounts years of nonstop crises, including a gun being pointed at him, a legal case, and a head injury causing cognitive deficits, and explains how faith and community helped him cope. He discusses how these lessons shape his relationship with his son and highlights his journal, “When God Calls You by Name,” about men’s identity in a biblical framework, available via @justjohnlewis.

00:00 Childhood Trauma Revealed

01:11 Welcome to Dear Son

01:44 Fighting for a Smile

02:04 Family Life Updates

03:40 Where You From Dallas

05:11 Parents Divorce Fallout

09:07 Man of the House Pressure

13:14 Resentment and Rejection

15:38 Healing Talk With Dad